Instructions
Approach the cockatiel cage calmly and talk softly to it. Spend several minutes talking calmly to the bird and allow it to get used to your voice. Gain your cockatiel's trust by giving it treats, spending time with it and playing with it.
Open the cage door and continue talking to your cockatiel. Place your finger near the cockatiel and say words such as "step up," "step" or "up" to your bird. Allow the bird to walk onto your finger on its own.
Bring the cockatiel out of the cage while on your finger. Talk to your bird and continue holding the cockatiel on your finger. The cockatiel can walk up your arm to your shoulder and sit on your shoulder.
Hold the cockatiel with the bird on your finger or on your arm or shoulder. Talk to your bird while you are holding it so it is not afraid of you. Allow your bird to walk around on your fingers and arms so it feels in control while you are holding it. Let the bird fly back to its cage if it no longer wants to be held, or transfer the bird to its cage by placing the bird next to a perch in its cage.
How to Hold a Cockatiel
Cockatiel owners must work daily with the bird to train it to get used to being held and handled by humans. Cockatiels are intelligent, curious birds and respond well to short training sessions. A cockatiel that is not comfortable with its owner will often bite, try to move away from the owner or try to fly away. As the bird gets comfortable with humans it will willingly step up and come out of the cage.